Category Archives: energy retrofitting

how energy-efficient upgrades can increase your home’s value

Energy-efficient upgrades can not only shrink your utility bill; they can increase the value of your home.

Have questions about ee upgrades on your home?  In SoCal contact the appraisers at www.scappraisals.com.

Homebuyers are becoming increasingly aware of the benefits of energy-efficient homes. In fact, they’re often willing to pay more for homes with “green” upgrades, says Sandra Adomatis, a specialist in green valuation with Adomatis Appraisal Service in Punta Gorda, Fla.

Just how much your home will increase in value depends on a number of factors, Adomatis says, like where you live, which upgrades you’ve made and how your home is marketed at sale time. The length of time to recoup the costs of green upgrades also depends on the energy costs in your area.

In 2014, upgraded homes in Los Angeles County saw a 6 percent increase in value, according to a study from Build It Green, a nonprofit based in Oakland, Calif., that works with home professionals. Upgraded homes in Washington, D.C., saw a 2 percent to 5 percent increase in 2015, according to a study Adomatis authored.

read more at: http://www.chicagotribune.com/classified/realestate/ct-energy-efficient-upgrades-home-value-20161027-story.html

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How to get the most out of a home solar system

If you’ve already enlisted in the solar energy crusade or are thinking about making an investment in the near future, it’s important to do your research and evaluate how to get the most use out of your solar power system. Ensuring that your system is performing at its max is not only important to meet your electricity needs, but also to recover your upfront costs in the shortest amount of time.

Will it add value to your home?  Contact the appraisers at www.scappraisals.com the only appraisal company in SoCal that specializes in solar.

Evaluate your useage -To optimize usage, you first need to evaluate how you and your family currently use electricity in the home. One way to do this is by having a professional come out and conduct a home energy audit.

During this process, an expert will come to your home and evaluate how efficiently energy is currently being used, as well as suggest methods for improvement. Inspections should be thorough and review the entire structure, from top to basement. The auditor should check things such as your duct blasts, HVAC system, doors, and windows. These tests will reveal problem areas and ways to improve so you don’t end up wasting the valuable solar electricity you’ll be generating.

By figuring out how much energy you currently use, you’ll also be able to better determine the size of solar system you’ll need.

Price shop – If you’ve just begun the home solar process and are looking to compare prices from local installers in your area, try using a trusted solar power marketplace to receive a number of quotes and find a solution that works best for your solar energy project. It’s the quickest way to be able to compare prices and services from companies that are experienced with your solar local programs.

Don’t be afraid to ask plenty of questions of solar installer candidates, including their experience connecting customers to the utility grid, knowledge of state incentives, and maintenance programs offered.

read more at: http://www.motherearthnews.com/renewable-energy/how-to-get-the-most-out-of-your-solar-power-system-zbcz1607.aspx?newsletter=1&spot=headline&utm_source=WhatCountsEmail&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MEN%20GEGH%20eNews%208-26-16&utm_term=MEN_GEGH_eNews&_wcsid=B549F6DA891AFF5B19151E535C083A3B40818365ED9222E3

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Residential Solar Power Buying Guides – Get the best deal

Thanks to professional resources like the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), evaluating your solar power needs and understanding the best type of solutions for your home has never been easier. SEIA has made available several consumer guides to solar power that make it simpler for homeowners to properly evaluate offers (its best to get a number solar power quotes) and fully comprehend your agreement terms.

SEIA’s most recent residential consumer guide to solar power outlines several key areas:

Evaluate your home:  Think about your personal electricity usage and how it’s used in your home. You should take a look at your utility bill and how much kilowatt-hours (kWh) your household uses and how much you’re currently paying for it. This will help determine the number of panels and output you will need from the system.    The BPI appraisers at www.scappraisals.com recommend a HERS rating before you start shopping for solar panels.  The more energy efficient your home is before you start shopping for panels will in all likelihood decrease the number of panels you will need.

You should also check out your roof and get at solar professional come out for an evaluation. They will be able to provide a consolation and calculate the amount of sunlight you’re currently getting and if its enough.

read more at: http://www.motherearthnews.com/renewable-energy/residential-solar-power-buying-guides-zbcz1606.aspx

disclaimer: for information and entertainment purposes only